Thanks to everyone who registered for Solo & Small Firm Practice in A Time of Corona Virus. Here’s a link to the recorded video and the slide deck. True to my word, I answered every question – and since I can ramble, the presentation lasted nearly two hours. So if you don’t have time to listen to the entire recording, here’s an index and additional resources so that you can skip around and focus on what interests you. Feel free to circulate the video to your colleagues or post it on a FB group or other spot if you think it might help. I’m hoping to do another Q&A in a week or two so keep track of your questions for next time.
PART I – Getting through – general advice and encouragement on the mindset you need to survive solo and small law practice
2:45-8:10
PART II: Financial Resources Available to Help Solos and Smalls – CARES Act and Other Programs
8:26-9:17
Note – Since Friday’s webinar, we’ve gathered additional resource on COVID. It appears that many of the SBA loans are non-recourse which means that they don’t need to be repaid. Here’s some links to additional information:
Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship
Forbes – Getting Cash for Your Small Business, Online
Unemployment Benefits for self-employed under CARES Act and State Program
9:17-12:49
SBA Loan Information and State Grant and Loan Programs & Private Finance Options for Small Biz
12:50-17:58
Student Loan Relief
17:58-19:15
Client Finance Options
19:16-22:23
Resource Add: Ethical Use of Law Firm Finance Companies
PART III: GOING REMOTE AND VIRTUAL
What do I need to go remote?
23:02-35:56
How do I set up a secure remote platform?
35:58-39:37
Is Zoom sufficiently secure?
39:38-41:39
How do I notarize documents online?
41:39-44:54
What are MyShingle’s favorite online tools?
45:04-53:09
Resource Add: A Decade of Tech Tools That Make Me Swoon
How can I pivot to offer remote services online like family law or criminal law that aren’t traditionally offered remotely?
53:10-58:05
How can I work virtually with older or less tech-savvy clients?
58:10-1:03
What ethics issues govern virtual law practice?
1:03-1:11
Resource Add – S. Kimbro – Ethics of Virtual Law Practice (ABA book excerpt)
Direct Law Resources on Virtual Law Practice
PART IV Marketing and Starting A Firm
How can I market estate planning without coming across as insensitive?
1:11-1:24:39
How can I help family and friends without wills which is outside my expertise without exposing myself to malpractice liability ?
1:14:44-1:27:20
Is it appropriate for me to market my services now?
1:27:35-1:32:40
What can I do to make ends meet if I don’t qualify for loans?
1:32:50-1:34:40
How can I find contract work to make ends meet or learn new skills?
1:34:50-1:38:30
I want to hire but I can’t make ends meet. What should I do?
1:38:31-1:39:35
What are new practice areas that may arise out of COVID?
1:39:28-1:40:56
Is this time of COVID a good tie to venture into a new practice area?
1:41-1:43:52
Should I start a solo law practice during COVID?
1:43:58
Spoiler Alert – YES, YES and YES
Resource Add: MyShingle Free Legal Resources for Starting a Law Firm
Bob Ambrogi Law Sites Blog, Free Coronovirus Offerings by Legal Vendors